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British Food Fortnight: South East

This year's event is set to be the biggest yet with activities ranging from the wild to the practical.

1st September - 30th September: Brighton & Hove Food & Drink Festival

The Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival is a celebration of the best of food and drink available in Sussex and is growing from strength to strength in the ‘city of festivals' annual line up. Over 50,000 people enjoyed our foodie events last year and our 2008 festival will be bigger and better than ever before, with Sussex food and drink producers and city restaurants and bars at its heart. For more details visit www.brightonfoodfestival.co.uk.

A month-long action packed celebration of the very best in tasty, healthy and seasonal local produce that is on offer in the area. A detailed festival programme is available. For a copy telelphone 01403 215542.

A new 4 day festival celebrating food on the Southbank. It is a non-ticketed event and free to all visitors. For further information contact Lisa Ispani by email on lisa@ispani.co.uk.

20th September - 21st September: Glynde Food & Drink Festival

A weekend celebration of senstational food and drink in a historic and beautiful country setting at Glynde Place, East Sussex. Demonstrations, children’s kichen and the 34th English Wine Festival all form part of this sumpuous feast. For more information email info@glynde.co.uk, call 01273 858 224 or visit www.glynde.co.uk.

20th September - 21st September: Royal County Of Berkshire Show, Newbury

A showcase of everything farming and countryside, including a Cookery Theatre with local chefs using local produce and a Food Hall containing a variety of small and unusal exhibitors. Contact Newbury and Distrivt Agricultural Society Tel: 01635 247 111 or see www.berkshireshow.co.uk for more details.

Look out for the British Food Fortnight logo and posters during this time! Red Lion Hotel, Royal Lane, Hillingdon, Middlesex UB8 3QP, call Ms Katherine Anderson on 01895 236 860 or email RedLionHotelmanager@fullers.co.uk for more information.

20th September - 21st September: Hastings Seafood & Wine Festival

Indulge in a mouthwatering weekend of delicious seafood and luscious local wines, in this spectacular celebration of Hastings’ fishing heritage. Sample dishes from Hastings’ best local restaurants and taste wine from acclaimed local vineyards. Expect first-class entertainment for adults and children alike. For a detailed programme contact Stephen Potter on 01424 451759 or see www.visit1066country.com/events.

20th September: Learn How The Best British Seasonal Foods Can Be Used In South Indian Cooking, London

The UK's hottest Indian cookery school joins British Food Fortnight with a special cookery class that shows how the best British seasonal foods can be used in Indian cooking. Imagine the flavours of curry leaves, tamarind and spices all coming together with the best of seasonal British produce in a feast straight from south India. Learn to make fabulous fare from Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Goa that will include speciality pancakes, chutneys and fabulous rice dishes. Contact Monisha Bharadwaj on 07949 434 757 for more information.

The 50 schools in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham will be served British-themed menus. For information contact Paul Lovett on 0208 227 5540.

23rd September: Chichester Care Home Holds Afternoon Tea Party For Local Community

Residents at Augusta Court will make cakes and scones for the tea party, to which the local community is invited. During the two weeks the residents will be served traditional British dishes and food will be incorporated into other activities that the home organises. Contact Simon Peyton on 01243 532 483 for more details.

24th September: Cheese & Wine Quiz Night, Lewes

The Real Eating Company is organising a gastronomic equivalent of the pub quiz. Contestants will be tested on wine grapes, cheese facts, accessories and utensils and more. The evening includes a two-course meal and a glass of bubbles! For more information contact Alison Driver on 01273 402 650.

Chefs from Sharrow Bay Hotel, Cumbria, will be setting up camp in Knightsbridge this September as part of plans to celebrate British Food Fortnight. The Cumbrian hotel’s Head Chefs Colin Akrigg and Mark Teasdale will spend a week in the kitchens of the Fifth Floor Restaurant at Harvey Nichols alongside Executive Chef Jonas Karlsson. A six-course tasting menu has been created especially by Sharrow Bay’s chefs for the occasion and features a selection of their signature dishes made using Cumbrian produce. Sommelier Nicolas Chieze will also accompany Akrigg and Teasdale to London to work with the Harvey Nichols team of sommeliers and wine buyers to choose the best wines from their list.

26th September - 28th September: Leckford Food Festival, Stockbridge

Longstock Park is part of the 4,000-acre Leckford Estate which is also home to the Waitrose Farm. Waitrose will hold its Autumn Food Festival for three days in September, when visitors will be able to enjoy a host of exciting events for all the family.

One of Canterbury’s most popular events is being relaunched this year and will be taking place in the Dane John Gardens. Food and drink from around the county will be on offer and local restaurants and retailers are expected to enter into the spirit of the event and showcase what the city has to offer. Contact Canterbury City Council on 01227 378 100 for more details.

1st October: New Local To London Food Fair For The Trade, New Covent Garden

One of the largest trade showcase of local (to London) producers and growers from the South East regions, offering direct contact with the regions' best producers and growers, samplings as well as masterclasses and demonstrations. The event aims to encourage wholesalers, buyers and distributors to source more produce from the Eastern and South Eastern regions. Contact: Helen Formenko on 01473 785883 or email helen@tastesofanglia.com.

3rd October - 12th October: A Taste of Rye, East Sussex

A celebration of local produce involving local pubs, restaurants, hotels and businesses. Look out for cookery schools, demonstrations, gala dinners, the ultimate cake buffet and the launch of the brand new Rye Produce Market. Contact Lorna Hall on 01797 229 808 for more details.

4th October: Smokehouse Open Day, East London

Free open day at the new state-of-the-art Smokehouse in East London. See www.formanandfield.com for more details.

4th October - 31st October: Croydon Food Festival

Croydon Food Festival will celebrate food from around the world with lots of free events, activities and demonstrations for all the family. Contact the Croydon Business Improvement District on 020 8680 6104 for further information.

7th October: Apple & Woodcraft Day, East Sussex

Taste the different varieties of apple from the orchard and see traditional woodcrafts. Adults: £3.60, Children: £1.80 For more information email alfriston@nationaltrust.org.uk.